Enemies In The Woods ~ Jacob Black

The Italians

I've been avoiding Seth. I know that it won't change the truth. And I know that I'll eventually have to hurt his feelings if what Jacob said yesterday was true, but I can't hurt the only friend I have. It's better if he just forgets me. Moves on.
"Hey." I almost jump out of my skin, completely unaware of his presence behind me until now. I clutch, a little dramatically, at my chest.
"Seth, you scared me."
"You were kinda zoned out. Where have you been all day? I've been looking for you."
"Really.."
"Yeah. Did you have fun last night? I know it's not the most welcoming place for a vamp but-"
"Seth, I loved it. Really, and I appreciate you taking me there." He blushes slightly and my heart aches with guilt.
"No problem. Jacob told me that you and Paul sorted things out between you guys. That's good news." I'm trying to stay focused on what Seth is saying, but I can see Jacob out of the corner of my eye, talking to Principal Woods.
"Yeah."
"So, I was wondering ____________" His hair is slightly sweaty and his forehead is glistening. He's probably been out with the pack. Or perhaps playing a sport? His shirt clings to the rippling muscles that sit underneath, outlining them perfectly. The conversation must be really important, because he's using his hands to gester around himself. The veins in his arms bulge slightly as he-
"Lorie. Lorie?"
"What?"
"Well, I was wondering if-"
"What are you guys up to? Shouldn't you be in class?" Jacob smirks as he walks over to us. Seth lets out a quiet sigh of frustration and turns towards him.
"We're on break, Jacob."
"Perfect. I was feeling a little peckish myself-"
"Actually," I interrupt, "I need to go. Can I take a raincheck on that lunch, Seth?"
"Sure, but where are you-" I don't let him finish his sentence before rounding the corner and exiting the college. I need some fresh air and, more importantly, I need to find a way to protect Seth from getting hurt. And, as per usual, I need to try and stay away from Jacob.

I feel a familiar itch run down my spine. Not now. Not here. Please, just be patient. I start picking up my pace until I'm sprinting at full speed through the woods. I need to get home. I cannot wolf out today. I get to the house in record-breaking time and practically almost knock the front door off of its hinges when I swing it open and enter. I jump up the stairs and run straight into the kitchen, practically lunging at the fridge door to get it open. Food always made me feel better when I was human. Hopefully it'll have the same effect on vampire me. It's leftover chicken from the campfire last night. I carry it over to the table and begin devouring it, not taking a single breath inbetween. I hear the front door open. It's probably just Carlisle getting back from work, no need to stop eating. I listen to the sound of his footsteps as he walks up the stairs and into the kitchen. I only stop eating when I notice the absurd face that he is pulling.
"What?"
"You're eating."
"Yeah, I was hungry." He laughs sarcastically, but stops when he sees how serious my face is.
"That satiates you?"
"It's food. Why wouldn't it?"
"Does it taste nice?"
"I mean, yeah, it's delicious. Why?" He walks over to me slowly and picks up a piece of chicken, elegantly placing it into his mouth and swallowing without chewing.
"This is impossible."
"What is? That wolves can make good food?"
"No, that your body can survive on human food at all. When was the last time you properly hunted? Besides the squirrels you captured a couple days ago."
"The day I arrived."
"Lorelei, that was almost a month ago."
"Is that bad?"
"It certainly isn't normal for a vampire to be able to go so long without a proper meal. This is... remarkable. Our species seems to be evolving every second."
"What does that mean?" I stop eating in my confusion. Carlisle sits down in front of me, an impressed grin on his face.
"Lorelei. You are the first ever vampire to be able to survive purely on human food."
"You mean, you can't eat food? Like, at all?"
"I can, but I prefer not to. It tastes rather rancid. I certainly can't sustain my body with it." He stands up abruptly.
"We must meet with the Vultori." I spit my food out. Has Carlisle officially lost his mind?
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"They will find out one way or another. Aro has spies everywhere. If they have any reason to suspect us of hiding something from them, they will wipe us all out. Lorelei, we must meet with them. For the safety of our entire coven." Fuck.

𝐀/𝐍: 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝, 𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧'𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐈'𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐮𝐩 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐜: